Ask the Podcast Coach

Dave Jackson, Jim Collison

Dave Jackson has been helping people launch podcasts since 2005 and every Saturday he is joined by Jim Collison to is runs the Average Guy Network. Together they have 20 years of podcasting experience and coaching.

  1. Hobbies are Not Free and That Includes Podcasting

    2D AGO

    Hobbies are Not Free and That Includes Podcasting

    Send us feedback/questions via Text The fastest way to burn out in podcasting is believing you can build a professional show on “free” forever. We get honest about the real cost of remote interviews, why Zoom at $20 a month is not the villain, and how the market always moves from free to paid once tools have to support real users at scale. Sponsors: PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History? Video Version (unedited) Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com Home Gadget Geeks http://www.theaverageguy.tv Podcast Hot Seats Clubhouse Streamyard Ecamm We also draw a hard line between a podcast and a YouTube-only show. If you want your work to live beyond one platform’s rules, you need an RSS feed and reliable podcast hosting. That point gets painfully real when we react to a creator who says they lost four years of work after platform enforcement and vague policy flags. From backups to hosting choices to owning your distribution, we talk about what actually keeps your catalog safe. Then we tackle the clip dilemma: spending more time making TikTok, Reels, and Shorts than producing the main show. We break down why many clips fail out of context, how “views” can be misleading, and how to use AI tools responsibly without letting them erase your voice. Jim also answers questions about local AI with LM Studio and what it means for privacy, workflow automation, and the very real hardware costs behind the AI boom. If you want smarter podcast strategy, better production habits, and fewer wasted hours, hit play and come hang with us. Subscribe, share this with a podcaster friend, and leave a review so more creators can find the show. Supporter of The Week: John Muntz Check out John Muntz where curiosity meets exploration!  Leave Your Question Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show. Featured: Johnmuntz.comJohn is the Founder and CEO of Rot House Studios.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show BE AWESOME! Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.

    1h 26m
  2. Apple Video Podcasts Reality Check

    APR 11

    Apple Video Podcasts Reality Check

    Send us feedback/questions via Text We dig into Apple’s upcoming video podcast changes and why pulling audio straight from a video file can wreck a careful audio-first edit. Then we shift to what actually helps creators right now: show notes that serve listeners and search, plus AI workflows that save time without handing your laptop the keys.  Sponsors: PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History? Video Version (unedited) Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com Home Gadget Geeks http://www.theaverageguy.tv Podcast Hot Seat Openclaw.ai Curse Cutter HLS Discussion on Podnews Weekly Review Topics Included • debating whether curse word removal tools solve a real podcasting problem  • unpacking Apple’s video podcast plan and what “switching” implies for audio quality  • estimating the real costs of video podcast hosting, HLS chunking, and insertions  • questioning the need to “compete with YouTube” instead of serving listener habits  • arguing for editing for value over editing for algorithms  • explaining why better measurement may shock creators and reshape ad expectations  • breaking down what show notes do for listeners, SEO, and AI discovery  • sharing automation wins for publishing workflows while warning about agent security  • defining APIs as safer access than browser control and stressing revocable keys  Go over to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome and be an awesome supporter today.  If you go over to schoolofpodcasting.com/question.  When you go over to schoolofpodcasting.com/start   Supporter of The Week: John Muntz Check out John Muntz where curiosity meets exploration!  Leave Your Question Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show. Featured: Johnmuntz.comJohn is the Founder and CEO of Rot House Studios.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show BE AWESOME! Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.

    1h 27m
  3. Sync Is Not Backup: Saving Your Podcast Files (and Your Sanity)

    MAR 28

    Sync Is Not Backup: Saving Your Podcast Files (and Your Sanity)

    Send us feedback/questions via Text In this episode of Ask the Podcast Coach, Dave and Jim dive deep into one of the least sexy—but most critical—parts of podcasting: how you store, sync, and back up your files without losing your mind (or your episodes). They talk through practical strategies for using local drives and cloud services like Dropbox, iCloud, iDrive, Backblaze, and more; the crucial difference between sync and backup; and how to design a file workflow that actually fits how you podcast. Along the way, they veer into tech nostalgia (AOL, Windows Vista, DVDs), debate whether podcasting is “at the beginning of the end,” and tackle tricky topics like bad interviews, ad-heavy networks, and why not every conversation—or phone call—needs to be a podcast. Sponsors: PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History? Video Version (unedited) Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com Home Gadget Geeks http://www.theaverageguy.tv Podcast Hot Seat iDrive Dropbox Supporter of The Week: John Muntz Check out John Muntz where curiosity meets exploration!  Leave Your Question Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show. Featured: Johnmuntz.comJohn is the Founder and CEO of Rot House Studios.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show BE AWESOME! Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.

    1h 30m
  4. From Podcaster to Seller: The School of Podcasting Acquisition Story

    MAR 21

    From Podcaster to Seller: The School of Podcasting Acquisition Story

    Send us feedback/questions via Text In this episode of "Ask the Podcast Coach," Dave Jackson and Jim Collison kick off a jam-packed Saturday morning with some major news—the School of Podcasting has been acquired by Podpage! They dive into what this means for members, reminisce about the journey with Brendan Mulligan, and share insights on podcast branding, community engagement, handling feedback, and the ups and downs of podcast monetization. It's a lively mix of industry updates, podcasting tips, and a dash of nostalgia, all served with their signature humor and authenticity. 00:00 Introduction 00:41 School of Podcasting Acquired by Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com 01:06 Sponsor: Podcast Branding.Co https://www.podcastbranding.co 02:24 Sponsor: Based On A true Story Podcast https://www.basedonatruestorypodcast.com 05:43 Why the Acquisition Happened https://community.schoolofpodcasting.com 07:00 Listening to Customer Feedback 09:44 Customizable Guest Intake Forms 11:03 The Free Tier Dilemma 13:42 Managing a Busy Work Schedule 16:50 Don't Self-Select Out of Opportunities 19:54 Direct Interaction with Customers 21:47 The Podcaster as a Customer Support Agent 23:40 The Importance of Consistency 26:37 Ensuring Human Connection in Support 31:14 Dealing with Negative Feedback and Trolls 34:07 Dave Praises Spotify Support???? 36:45 Ask the Podcast Coach's Independence 43:31 The Importance of Clear Podcast Titles 59:03 Using Music and Sound Effects in Podcasts 01:12:06 Awesome Supporters https://www.askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome 01:12:44 Join the School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com 01:12:58 Podcast Hot Seat: Podcast Auditing Service https://www.podcasthotseat.com 01:13:30 Try Podpage https://www.podpage.com/preview 01:13:42 Home Gadget Geeks https://www.homegadgetgeeks.com 01:13:54 Supporter of the Week https://www.soniccupcake.com 01:15:02 Get a Shout Out! Support the Show https://podcastcoach.supercast.com 01:15:54 The Monetization Mindset for New Podcasters 01:26:57 What's Coming Up Other Links Tunereel - Royalty Supporter of The Week: John Muntz Check out John Muntz where curiosity meets exploration!  Leave Your Question Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show. Featured: Johnmuntz.comJohn is the Founder and CEO of Rot House Studios.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show BE AWESOME! Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.

    1h 28m
  5. The Real Time Cost of Podcasting: Editing, Publishing, and Promotion Breakdown

    MAR 14

    The Real Time Cost of Podcasting: Editing, Publishing, and Promotion Breakdown

    Send us feedback/questions via Text In today’s jam-packed episode, we break down what really goes into producing a podcast—spoiler alert, it’s way more than just hitting record for an hour! I share and reflect on a listener’s detailed time-tracking for their weekly show, and Jim Collison and I offer strategies for streamlining both editing and promotion (without sacrificing quality or your sanity). Sponsors: PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History? Video Version (unedited) Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com Home Gadget Geeks http://www.theaverageguy.tv Podcast Hot Seat Podcasting & Audio Tools: podcastbranding.co – Mark’s podcast artwork & branding servicesBased on a True Story – Dan Lefebvre’s podcastAuphonic – Audio leveling and processing Hindenburg – Podcast audio editing software Audacity – Free editing software ()Accentize De-Room – Reverb reduction plugin resound.fm – Um/long pause audio editor RODECaster Duo & Pro II – Podcasting hardware Hollyland Lark M2 – Wireless lavZoom Podtrak P4Next - Protable Recorder and InterfaceSupporter of The Week: John Muntz Check out John Muntz where curiosity meets exploration!  Leave Your Question Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show. Featured: Johnmuntz.comJohn is the Founder and CEO of Rot House Studios.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show BE AWESOME! Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.

    1h 25m
  6. Why Your Podcast Chair Matters More Than Your Microphone

    MAR 7

    Why Your Podcast Chair Matters More Than Your Microphone

    Send us feedback/questions via Text This episode spent a good chunk of time exploring the importance of having a supportive, comfortable chair for podcasters, with both Dave Jackson and Jim Collison sharing their experiences with back pain, various chair types, and why investing in quality seating pays off for anyone spending hours behind the mic. We also devoted significant attention to troubleshooting podcast recording setups—comparing platforms like Zoom, StreamYard, Boomcaster, and Riverside, along with the pros and cons of “all-in-one” podcast solutions versus a tailored workflow of specialized tools. Throughout, we highlighted the value of careful tech choices and ergonomic comfort for long-term podcasting success Sponsors: PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History? Video Version (unedited) Mentioned In This Episode School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com Home Gadget Geeks http://www.theaverageguy.tv Podcast Hot Seat WorkPro® Quantum 9000 Series Ergonomic Mid-Back Mesh/Mesh Chair LiberNovo Dynamic Ergonomic Desk Chair Embody Ergonomic Office Chair Amazon Basics Breathable Mesh Mid-Back Office Desk Chair with Armrests, Lumbar Support Jodi Krangle Voice Over Supporter of The Week: John Muntz Check out John Muntz where curiosity meets exploration!  Leave Your Question Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show. Featured: Johnmuntz.comJohn is the Founder and CEO of Rot House Studios.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show BE AWESOME! Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.

    1h 30m
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Dave Jackson has been helping people launch podcasts since 2005 and every Saturday he is joined by Jim Collison to is runs the Average Guy Network. Together they have 20 years of podcasting experience and coaching.

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